New Greenbelt Orchestra asks city for operating funds after two years of free concerts

The Greenbelt Orchestra appeared before the Greenbelt City Council work session to seek operating support to sustain free public concerts and to cover rising costs for conductor fees and copyrighted repertoire.

The group's leaders said the orchestra is finishing its second year and has drawn standing-room crowds at community-center concerts. "We gave a concert in November and then our black history concert in February," said Ann Gardner, describing recent programming that included works by women and underrepresented composers and a newly commissioned piece by a New Carrollton composer.

Why it matters: The orchestra said expenses are growing as it pays conductors and rents music parts for copyrighted works that are central to the ensemble's programming goals. The ensemble also recently started member dues and is exploring sponsorships to supplement donations.

Review panel recommendation: Recreation staff said the orchestra requested $4,600. The grant review panel scored the application highly (77 on the panel's scale) and recommended 80% of the request in light of the city budget, a $3,700 award.

Council questions: Council members expressed enthusiasm for the orchestra's programming and noted demand for an upcoming concert at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Staff said Gate will film the performance and the orchestra has support from the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council for future programming.

Ending: The panel's recommendation will be included in the draft budget for council consideration; final funding decisions will be made by council during budget adoption.